Learn, Forget, Learn Again: The Paradox of Lifelong Learning

Learn, Forget, Learn Again: The Paradox of Lifelong Learning

In the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, the ancient Chinese philosopher, Laozi, offers a thought-provoking paradox: to gain wisdom, one must let go of what they have learned. According to Laozi, the accumulation of knowledge alone does not lead to true wisdom, whether it be in the context of personal growth, business management, or governance. He states, "To acquire knowledge, add something every day. To acquire wisdom, subtract something every day." In the uncertain era of 21st-century knowledge, this teaching on lifelong learning holds great significance.

Laozi's original words were as follows: "The pursuit of learning is to add daily. The pursuit of the Way is to subtract daily." He further adds, "By subtracting and subtracting again, one reaches the state of non-action." In a time when learning to forget seems counterintuitive, Laozi emphasizes the importance of intentionally letting go of what we have learned. Learning, in its most basic sense, involves acquiring new knowledge and skills. It also involves applying that knowledge and skillset and sharing what we've learned with others. However, the truly difficult task lies in unlearning - in discarding our own faulty thoughts and ideas when we realize they are flawed. It is the act of breaking free from the familiar.

Yet, forgetting is uncomfortable and often painful. Letting go of the knowledge, wisdom, beliefs, and values we have acquired through diligent learning can be a challenging endeavor. It is not easy to abandon our own convictions, the belief that only our political candidate or party is right, or the mindset of business executives fixated on past successful models. However, in a sense, forgetting is an essential and natural part of the learning process. As Lindeman emphasizes, lifelong education for adults is about constantly evolving and becoming, a process of creation. When we cling solely to what we have learned, we find ourselves in a state of stagnation rather than growth. As Borges puts it, when we mechanically repeat what we have learned, we are dead. Lifelong learning involves discarding outdated beliefs, knowledge, and ideologies.

Consider the example of a person from Seoul, South Korea, who goes to Sydney, Australia, to learn how to drive. The first thing they must do is let go of their habitual knowledge and experiences of driving in Seoul. Only then can they learn the new driving rules and regulations of Sydney. Clinging to their previous knowledge of driving could not only jeopardize their own safety but also put others at risk. As Einstein famously said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Therefore, intentionally forgetting, or unlearning, is a process of constant change. It is a form of exploration that involves questioning everything we know and value in order to discover the unknown.

Relearning, on the other hand, goes beyond simply acquiring new knowledge. It fundamentally involves learning anew. It requires a shift in the focus of learning. Without changing the focus, assumptions, goals, or methods of learning, we cannot truly acquire new knowledge or wisdom. Steve Jobs provides an excellent case study for this concept. Relearning, as Jobs once said, is about "connecting the dots." It involves understanding the relationships between different data points or academic facts. To truly relearn, we must start by questioning the data or facts themselves. What data or facts are we observing and paying attention to? How important and relevant are these points? What other data or facts should we consider? What are the unknown data or facts that we may be unaware of? By focusing on these questions, we can then examine the connections required by each question. What connections are we paying attention to? How important and relevant are these connections? What other connections should we consider? What are the unknown connections that we may be unaware of?

This approach to learning may seem particularly relevant in the fields of business management and human resource development, where knowledge creation is paramount. However, it is no different in academic pursuits or various forms of lifelong learning. To engage in this type of learning, a philosophical understanding of learning must precede it.

In summary, lifelong learning involves the paradoxical process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. It requires intentional forgetting and discarding of outdated knowledge, beliefs, and values. It involves constantly questioning and exploring the unknowns, connections, and possibilities. To embrace lifelong learning, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the discomfort of unlearning: Recognize that letting go of what you have learned is necessary for growth and wisdom. Challenge your own beliefs and assumptions, and be open to discarding them when they no longer serve you or align with reality.

2. Focus on connecting the dots: Instead of passively collecting knowledge, actively seek to understand the relationships and connections between different data points or facts. Ask critical questions and explore various perspectives to uncover new insights and possibilities.

3. Cultivate a mindset of constant change: Embrace the idea that learning is a lifelong journey of becoming. Be willing to adapt, unlearn, and relearn as new information and opportunities arise. Embrace the unknown and be open to continuous exploration.

By incorporating these principles into your lifelong learning journey, you can navigate the ever-changing landscape of knowledge and wisdom, truly embracing the paradox of learning, forgetting, and learning again.